Chelsea are believed to be ready to offer Rooney a contract worth £200,000-a-week and are expected to returned with an improved third offer, with the saga expected to run until the final week of the transfer window.

Rooney made it known that he was "angry and confused" after quotes from Moyes emerged suggesting he would be kept at Old Trafford simply as back-up to Robin van Persie.

Moyes has since clarified his comments to Rooney in telephone conversations, with the relationship between the pair described as 'amicable' by club sources and the former Everton man due to travel with the squad for the next pre-season friendly in Stockholm on August 6.

Ed Woodward, United’s executive vice-chairman, has also suggested that the club would not open talks to extend Rooney’s £250,000-a-week contract, which expires in 2015.